Protecting Older Adults From Identity Theft & Fraud

Online banking, shopping, medical portals, and mobile payments have made everyday tasks more convenient. They have also created more opportunities for criminals to misuse personal information. Older adults who use digital services can take several practical steps to protect their accounts while continuing to benefit from technology.

Identity theft occurs when someone obtains personal information such as a Social Security number, account credentials, or payment details. Identity fraud happens when that information is used to open accounts, make purchases, access funds, or commit another crime.

Why Strong Passwords Matter

Using the same username and password across multiple websites can place several accounts at risk. If criminals obtain login information from one service, they may try those credentials on email, banking, shopping, and social-media accounts.

To improve account security:

- Use a unique password for every important account.

- Choose long passwords or passphrases that are difficult to guess.

- Consider using a reputable password manager.

- Enable multifactor authentication whenever it is available.

A password manager can create and store complex passwords, making it less tempting to reuse simple ones.

Secure Payments and Bank Accounts

Many banks and credit-card companies offer security controls through their websites and mobile apps. Depending on the provider, customers may be able to:

- Lock or unlock a payment card.

- Receive alerts about purchases.

- Set spending limits.

- Restrict certain transaction types.

- Review account activity quickly.

Digital wallets may provide an additional layer of protection because they can use encrypted payment credentials rather than displaying a card number during a transaction.

Even with these tools, account activity should be reviewed regularly. Report unfamiliar charges or withdrawals to the financial institution as soon as possible.

Be Cautious With Unexpected Messages

Scammers often try to create panic. A caller, text message, or email may claim to represent a bank, government agency, technology company, or medical provider and insist that immediate action is necessary.

Never provide personal information merely because someone contacted you. Instead:

1. End the conversation or close the message.

2. Locate the organization’s official phone number independently.

3. Contact the organization using a bank statement, insurance card, official website, or previously saved number.

4. Avoid using contact information included in a suspicious message.

Be especially cautious if someone demands payment by gift card, cryptocurrency, wire transfer, or another unusual method.

Protect Phones and Computers

A lost or unprotected device may expose email, financial, medical, and personal information. Devices should have:

- A strong passcode or password.

- Automatic screen locking.

- Current operating-system and application updates.

- Appropriate security software.

- Remote-locking or remote-wiping capabilities when available.

Avoid conducting sensitive transactions over unsecured public Wi-Fi. Be careful with links and attachments, even when a message appears to come from someone familiar.

Know What to Do After Fraud

Preparation makes responding to identity fraud easier. Keep a private list of important contacts, including banks, credit-card companies, insurance providers, and mobile-phone carriers. Do not rely on a number provided by a suspicious caller.

If fraud is suspected:

- Contact the affected financial institution or company immediately.

- Change the compromised password and any other account that uses it.

- Review credit reports for unfamiliar accounts or inquiries.

- Consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze with the major credit bureaus.

- Report the incident to the appropriate government consumer-protection agency.

- Keep records of dates, messages, account numbers, and actions taken.

Family members and caregivers can help older adults review these steps in a respectful way. The purpose is to support safety and independence, not to discourage seniors from using technology.

Create a Weekly Security Routine

A short weekly check can help identify problems early:

- Review bank and credit-card transactions.

- Look for unusual email or phone-account alerts.

- Install pending software updates.

- Delete suspicious messages without clicking their links.

- Confirm that multifactor authentication is still enabled.

No single precaution prevents every type of identity fraud. However, unique passwords, account alerts, secure devices, careful verification, and prompt reporting can make it more difficult for criminals to misuse personal information.

Identity Theft & Fraud

Federal Trade Commission
Consumer Advice Link

Topics

• Medicare scams

• Social Security scams

• Identity theft

• Romance scams

• Online fraud